Happy Zul

Zul, meaning "lamp" in Kalmyk, is one of the most cherished national holidays in the Republic of Kalmykia, celebrated annually according to the lunar calendar, typically in late December, this year on December 14th 2025.[1] This ancient festival marks the parinirvana of Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), the revered founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, which the Kalmyks follow. Often regarded as the Kalmyk New Year, Zul symbolizes renewal, longevity, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Preparations begin days in advance with thorough house cleaning, baking of bortsg (fried dough pastries symbolizing abundance), and brewing aromatic Kalmyk tea with milk, salt, and butter. Families craft dough "boats of life" filled with clarified butter, into which wicks-made from grass stalks corresponding to each member's age plus extras for longevity-are inserted.[2] As the first stars appear, these lamps are lit outdoors, offerings are made, and prayers recited for health and prosperity.

Historically, Zul integrated pre-Buddhist nomadic traditions-such as adding a year to one's age (a collective "birthday" since individual birthdays were not traditionally observed)-with Buddhist reverence for Tsongkhapa.[3] Temple rituals include life-prolonging ceremonies and thousands of butter lamp offerings. The holiday fosters family gatherings, visits to relatives, and expressions of goodwill, emphasizing harmony and gratitude.

In contemporary Kalmykia, Zul remains a vibrant cultural event with public concerts, monastic services, and communal feasts, reinforcing national identity amid modern life.[4] As a beacon of spiritual light, it reminds Kalmyks of their enduring connection to Buddhist heritage and ancestral resilience.

May this Zul bring peace, health, and happiness to all on behalf of Kalmyks.com!